CEA Praises Senate, House Introduction of USA
FREEDOM Acts

ARLINGTON, Va.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The following statement is attributed to Michael Petricone, senior vice
president for government affairs at the Consumer Electronics Association
(CEA)®, regarding the introduction of the Senate USA FREEDOM
Act by Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT); and the House USA
FREEDOM Act by Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Ranking Member
John Conyers (D-MI) and Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Jerry Nadler
(D-NY):

“We applaud these lawmakers for introducing common sense reforms to our
nation’s intelligence gathering programs. Their legislation will restore
trust in American services and products and preserve our competitiveness
worldwide, while continuing to protect our national security.”

“We applaud these lawmakers for introducing common sense reforms to our
nation’s intelligence gathering programs. Their legislation will restore
trust in American services and products and preserve our competitiveness
worldwide, while continuing to protect our national security.

“International reaction to the U.S. government’s surveillance practices
has cost American companies – including CEA members – tens millions of
dollars in business and potentially thousands of jobs. The USA FREEDOM
Acts balance the right to privacy with the protection of our national
security – enacting thoughtful reforms to the government’s intelligence
gathering programs and affirming our country’s commitment to
transparency and strong national defense.

“With the pending expiration of Section 215 of the Patriot Act, we hope
Congress will take this opportunity to reform the program rather than
simply vote on a straight reauthorization. Swift and decisive
congressional action on this new legislation will provide for strong
national security, protect privacy rights and allow the global free flow
of information.”

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade
association representing the $286 billion U.S. consumer electronics
industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA
membership, including legislative and regulatory advocacy, market
research, technical training and education, industry promotion,
standards development and the fostering of business and strategic
relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The
Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into
CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at CE.org,
InnovationMovement.com
and through social media: http://www.ce.org/social